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Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has held talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem, marking his first-ever state visit abroad and signalling a notable step in growing ties between the two sides.
The visit follows Israel’s decision in December to become the first country to officially recognise Somaliland’s independence, decades after the territory declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991 following a civil war. The move has since reshaped diplomatic engagement around the Horn of Africa breakaway region.
Describing the trip as historically significant, Abdullahi said, according to a statement from Herzog’s office, that “the visit carries special significance,” adding that it represents “the first state visit by a president of the Republic of Somaliland to another country.”
“We are deeply appreciative that the State of Israel has chosen to receive us with such an honour on this historic occasion,” expressing appreciation for Israel’s reception.
Reflecting on Somaliland’s long-standing push for international recognition, Abdullahi noted: “Somaliland has been talking, has been reaching out to the world leaders for the last 35 years. Only one country desired to see us and recognise Somaliland, and that’s the government of Israel and its people.”
Somaliland, which occupies a strategically important position along the Gulf of Aden, maintains its own currency, passport system and armed forces, but has remained largely unrecognised internationally due to concerns over regional stability and potential separatist precedents across Africa.
President Herzog, in his remarks, said the visit “symbolises the great potential of this wonderful new partnership,” adding that both sides share concerns over “radical extremism,” maritime security, and regional stability.
The diplomatic engagement follows the appointment of ambassadors by both sides and a recent visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Somaliland, which drew strong criticism from Somalia, which labelled it an “unauthorised incursion.”
